Heads to Tennessee next week, then South Carolina, then New Hampshire (his first trip there as a potential presidential candidate).

I was in D.C. earlier this week, making some conservative rounds, and there really is Fred fever in the air — especially among some social conservatives, based on a very unscientific survey. Even a lot of those who are firmly in trust-but-verify mode are intrigued and excited by the prospect. Yesterday’s CAIR commentary I think is a good example of what it’s about — he’s confident enough to take on who needs to be taken on and calls it as he sees it. (One blogger’s reax: “The fact that Fred Thompson understands CAIR and questions its comings and goings is enough for me, thank you.”) If he does this on the trail, as a candidate, he could prove to be unstoppable in the primaries.

And we know he’s a better performer than Hillary.